Gardening

2 years/120 ECTS, Diploma

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Registered Programme with the Cyprus Ministry of Education & Culture
Accredited Programme by the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education (CY.Q.A.A.)
Government Grant up to €3,420 for each year of study (with income criteria)

In Cyprus, where the tradition of Gardening and Landscaping is relatively small, the Mediterranean climate creates particular challenges, but with a special adaptation of traditional methods, materials and practices. The two-year programme "Gardening" is a professional programme which, in the direction of the word "learn to do", introduces the students to historical and modern practices and techniques for Gardening, Cultivation and Arboriculture, which are appropriate for the Mediterranean climate. The programme is geared to the Gardening for dry-thermal environments, seaside landscapes and mountainous areas.

Job Opportunities

Create own business in the gardening sector
Work as freelancer in gardening
Employment in both private and public sector in the field of gardening and landscaping
Employment in industries or in greenhouses producing small industries and their equipment, as well as greenhouse enterprises for the production of vegetable products

Aims of Programme

To give graduates solid theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the field of Gardening and Cultivation.
Let graduates work autonomously in the field of Gardening and agricultural production.
Let graduates develop and modernize their knowledge and skills and, if they so desire, continue to pursue higher education at Universities and other higher education institutions in the Branch or other similar Branches.

Programme Structure

Semester 1
COURSES	P.P.W*	ECTS
Health and Safety in Gardening	2	4
Ecology	2	4
Introduction to Chemistry	2	4
Introduction to Garden History	2	4
Introduction to Pedology and Fertilizers	3	6
Introduction to Botany	5	8
TOTAL	16	30

Semester 2
COURSES	P.P.W*	ECTS
Design Process in Gardening	3	4
Professional English	2	3
Computer Science	2	2
Gardening and Floriculture : Annual, Biennial, Perennial, Bulbs, Tubers and Phizomes	3	5
Gardening and Floriculture : Hedges, Bushes, Trees and Climbing Plants.	3	6
Grasses, Turfs and Mosaic Plants	3	6
Practical Training I	-	4
TOTAL	16	30

Semester 3
COURSES	P.P.W*	ECTS
Arboriculture	3	6
Ornamental Trees, Shrubs and Bushes	3	5
Management of Enemies, Diseases and Weeds	2	4
Introduction to Computer Aided Design	3	5
Garden Constructions I	2	4
Garden and Landscaping Drawing Plan	4	6
TOTAL	17	30

Semester 4
COURSES	P.P.W*	ECTS
Automatic Irrigation Systems	2	4
2D Computer Aided Landscaping Design	3	4
Urban Gardening	2	3
Garden Constructions II	3	3
Tree Surgery and Basic Pruning Techniques	2	3
Final Project I	3	5
Elective	2	4
Practical Training II	-	4
TOTAL	17	30

Electives
COURSES	P.P.W*	ECTS
Introduction to Environmental Science	2	4
Viticulture - Oenology	2	4
Solid and Liquid Waste Management	2	4
Nutrition and Diet	2	4
Food and Society	2	4
Introduction to Marketing	2	4

*P.P.W.: Period per week. Duration: 55 minutes.

Courses Description

Health and Safety in Gardening

The main purpose of the course is to elevate the appropriate conditions for a safe and healthy working environment.

Ecology

The aim of the course is to introduce the students to the science of Ecology for understanding the relationships between the different organisms and the environment and the need for its improvement and protection in order to maintain its sustainability.

Introduction to Chemistry

The aim of the course is to provide students with basic principles of General and Inorganic Chemistry, which are considered necessary for the understanding and consolidation of the knowledge that the Gardening professional must possess.

Introduction to Garden history

The main purpose of the course is to introduce the students to the basic evolution and development of gardening in history, help them to become capable to locate this evolution and development through the appropriate lens and historical prospect and introduce them to the aesthetics of cultural development.

Introduction to Pedology and Fertilizers

The aim of the course is to teach students the basic functions of the soil (physicochemical properties) and how it can be fertilized for the healthy growth of plants and shrub trees.

Introduction to Botany

The aim of the course is to introduce students to the basic concepts of Botany, the characteristics of living and non-living organisms and the internal phenomena of plant life.

The Design Process in Landscaping Design

This course is designed to build and enhance student’s ‘Designer Thinking’ allowing them to produce detailed and of high quality, novel design proposals, presented in a professional manner.

Professional English

The aim of the course is to demonstrate how English is used in real-life situations of Gardening and Landscaping professionals.

Computer Science

The main purpose of the course is to introduce students to the basic computer functions, skills and applications.

Gardening and Floriculture: Annual, Biennial, Perennial, Bulbs, Tubers and Phizomes

The aim the course is to provide students with the basic knowledge and skills regarding the cultivation, preservation and protection of various ornamental plants, harvested flowers, bulbs, tubers and rhizomes and for grooming gardens and parks.

Gardening and Floriculture: Hedges, Bushes, Trees and Climbing Plants

Grasses, Turfs and Mosaic Plants

The aim of the course is to give students the basic knowledge and skills regarding the creation, cultivation, protection and maintenance of Grasses, Turfs and Mosaic Plants

Practical Training I

The Practical Training course in gardening aims to consolidate the theoretical knowledge acquired by the students during the first year of their studies and help them build practical skills in the specialty of the gardener.

Arboriculture

The aim of the course is to provide students with the general principles of Arboriculture with regard to the growth, development, propagation and fruition of trees. The course also deals with the origin, morphology, development and production of each fruit tree individually.

Ornamental Trees, Shrubs and Bushes

The course introduces students to the concept of landscaping with various plants, shrubs and trees, and their right combination and placement in space to ensure consistency and enhance their beauty as living elements of the garden.

Management of Plant Pests, Diseases and Weeds

The aim of the course is to train students to recognize pests (insects, mites, nematodes), diseases (fungi, bacteria, viruses) and the various kinds of weeds (annual, biannual, perennial) and control them with the most appropriate method (chemical, physical, mechanical and biological).

Introduction to Computer Aided Design

The main purpose of this course is to get the students acquainted with the use of the Adobe Photoshop and AutoCAD design software.

Garden Constructions I

This main purpose of this course, is to introduce students to the different materials that are used in gardening constructions, describing their properties and uses.

Garden and Landscaping Drawing Plan

The main purpose of this course is to give to the students an outline of the general principles and practices of garden design, based especially on the appropriate use of tools, the graphical representation and material.

Automatic Irrigation Systems

The aim of the course is to train students in the design and installation of irrigation systems and installation of automations, aiming at exploiting their potential and advantages in saving water, reducing working time and improving the quality of the products produced.

2D Computer Aided Landscaping Design

The course focuses on the study, understand and creation of landscaping designs, projective and prospective designs, as well as irrigation and altitude designs. Furthermore, this course focuses on 2D design, based on the software program AutoCAD.

Urban Gardening

The aim of the course is to introduce students to the basic elements of small scale gardens in urban areas and in areas such as balconies, open spaces, courtyards and even indoors.

Garden Constructions II

The course ‘Gardening Constructions II’ represents a continuation of the course ‘Gardening Constructions I’ which, as it follows, is a prerequisite for this course.

Tree Surgery and Basic Pruning Techniques

The aim of the course is to train students in the practice and in the techniques of pruning. It focuses on various ornamental and fruit trees as well as shrubs, aiming to influence their growth and development with effect on production of flowers and fruits as well as on aesthetics.

Final Project I

The main scope of this course, is to prepare the students to carry out a professional gardening design, applying the knowledge and skills acquired through the respective program of studies.

Practical Training II

With professional practice in real conditions and situations, this course aims to enrich the students’ knowledge acquired through the theoretical part of the courses during the first and second year of their studies and help them capitalize on their practical skills within the specialization of the garden constructionist.

ELECTIVES

Introduction to Environmental Science

The aim of the course is to introduce students to the concept of sustainability, for the sustainable management of natural resources through the understanding of the structure and function of the natural and anthropogenic environment and their interaction. In addition, to identify the problems that have arisen from this interaction, as well as the ways in which these problems can be addressed.

Viticulture – Oenology

The aim of the course is to introduce students to the basic principles of viticulture and winemaking.

Liquid and Solid Waste Management

The course introduces students to the basic characteristics of waste, that waste is valuable resources and the basic technologies used in the treatment of liquid and solid waste.

Nutrition and Diet

The aim of the course is to introduce students to the basic principles of nutrition and dietetics and to the role of different foods in human health.

Food and Society

The aim of the course is to introduce students to the general concepts of nutrition and society. Students will study the influences that people receive in relation to eating.

Introduction to Marketing

To introduce students to the science of Marketing Management and its applications in business and organisations.

Academic Staff

Coordinator of the Programme: Dr. Androniki Bolla

Office: 5 Kallipolis Avenue, 1055 Nicosia

Tel.: 00357 22875737, E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Employment Status: Part Time

Position: Lecturer

Specialization: AGRICULTURE, PRODUCTION, ENVIRONMENTAL

Programmes of Study: GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING

Short cv: Ms. Antoniou Efrosini is a lecturer at KES College since 2015. She has a Master's degree in Urban Environmental Management from the Wageningen University of the Netherlands and a Degree in Agriculture from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She participated in a number of seminars and working groups related to her specialty.

Publications:

• Zafiriou, R., & Antoniou, E., (2013) “Experiences of present Climate Change impacts at the heart of Mediterranean. The case of beekeepers, olive growers and fisher folk on Kythera and Antikythera islands”. UNESCO Research Report Σελ. 72-112

• Antoniou, E., (2012) ‘Urban Heat Island Effect and the Urban Water Management in the City of Arnhem’. Altera Research Institute and Future Cities - Urban Networks to Face Climate Change. Research Report Σελ. 1-64
Employment Status: Full Time

Position: Programme Coordinator, Senior Lecturer

Specialization: AGRICULTURE, HURTICULTURE

Programmes of Study: GARDENING, GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING

Short cv: Dr Androniki Bolla is is the Coordinator of the "Gardening" and "Gardening and Landscaping" Programmes of Study. She is allso a Senior Lecturer at KES College since 2013. She holds a Doctorate (PhD) in Agriculture from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, MSc in Agriculture from the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania CICHEAM and a Degree in Agriculture from the Aristotle University. She continued her academic studies at the Open University completing a Masters Degree in Environmental Protection and Management. She has also served as a fellow at the Centre of Excellence in Agriculture and the Environment, (OGI, 2003-2004). She has worked as an Agricultural Officer at the Department of Agriculture from 2011-2013 and as an inspector of agricultural holdings at the National Bank of Greece from 2000 to 2003. She has been responsible for the organization and management of research laboratories and Coordination and organization of conferences.

Publications:
- • Diamantidis, Gr., Thomai, T., Genitsariotis, M., Nanos, G., Bolla, A., Sfakiotakis, E., 2002. Scald susceptibility and biochemical/physiological changes in respect to low preharvest temperature in 'Starking Delicious' apple fruit (2002). Scientia Horticulturae 92 (3-4), pp. 361-366
- • Chimonidou, D., Bolla, A., Pitta, C., Vassiliou, L., Kyriakou, G. and Put, H.M.C. 2007. Is it possible to transfer aroma from rosa damascena to hybrid tea rose cultivars by hybridisation? Acta Hort. 751:299-304.
- • Bolla, A., Koukourikou-Petridou M., Voyiatzis D., Chimonidou D., 2009. Physiological responses associated to substrate water availability of Rosa 'Eurored' plants grown in soilless greenhouse conditions. Scientia Horticulturae 121 (1), pp. 80-83.
- • Bolla, A., Voyiatzis D., Koukourikou-Petridou M., Chimonidou D., 2010. Photosynthetic parameters and cut-flower yield of rose ‘Eurored’ (H.T.) are adversely affected by mild water stress irrespective of the substrate composition. Scientia Horticulturae 126, pp. 390-394.
Employment Status: Full Time

Position: Programme Coordinator, Senior Lecturer

Specialization: BIOLOGY, ECOLOGY, ENVIRONMENTAL

Programmes of Study: MEDICAL REPRESENTATIVES, PHARMACY ASSISTANT (TECHNICIAN), TECHNICIAN FOR PRODUCTION OF ORGANIC PRODUCTS, JOURNALISM WITH PUBLIC RELATIONS, GARDENING

Short cv: Dr Dimitrios Sarris is the Research Coordinator of KES Research Centre and Coordinator of the Environmental Technicians Program at KES College since 2017. He is a Biologist with a Master’s Degree and a PhD from the University of Patras in Greece in collaboration with the University of Basel in Switzerland. He has a 14 year academic teaching experience working, among other, as a Visiting Assistant Professor and as Special Scientist at the University of Cyprus, as Postgraduate Thematic Unit Coordinator at the Open University of Cyprus as well as a Lecturer at the University of Ioannina in Greece. He has 15 papers published at high ranking Scientific Journals (h index 10) and 29 announcements mostly at International Conferences, while acting as a reviewer for 13 Scientific Journals. He has worked at 18 International and National research projects and designed/supervised more than 25 Thesis (Diploma, Master’s and PhD).
Employment Status: Full Time

Position: Lecturer

Specialization: AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Programmes of Study: GARDENING

Short cv: Mr Dimitris Tsimouris is a Lecturer at KES College since 2018. He holds a Master qualification (MA) in Landscape Architecture, PGCert in Landscape Design from Greenwich University and a BSc in Agricultural Sciences from the Cyprus University of Technology. Since 2014 he has been working in a family-run agricultural production business. Also since 2015 he works as a Trainer at the Adult Education Centers of the Ministry of Education and Culture teaching Agriculture and Gardening. Moreover since 2015 he is an Agriculture Consultant in a private nursery. He teaches subjects of his specialty.
Employment Status: Part Time

Position: Lecturer

Specialization: AGRICULTURE, ENVIRONMENTAL

Programmes of Study: TECHNICIAN FOR PRODUCTION OF ORGANIC PRODUCTS, GARDENING

Short cv: Ms. Christina Christodoulou is a Lecturer at KES College since 2016. She holds a Master (MSc) and a Bachelor Degree (BSc) in Agriculture from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and a Diploma in Cosmetology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, while she is also in the process of obtaining a second postgraduate qualification in Environmental Management and Protection by the Open University of Cyprus. Between 2008-2014 she worked at the Cyprus Beekeeping Center as Agronomist. She is also a Trainer at the Adult Education Centers of the Ministry of Education and Culture since 2012 and a teacher at the Post-Lyceum Training Institutes of the Ministry of Education and Culture from 2015 - today. In addition since 2015, she is a Chief Agricultural Officer at the Cyprus Agro Industry Center. She teaches subjects of her specialty.